FRANKFORT, Ky. (5/16/13) – The U.S. Senate today passed the Freedom to Fish Act, S. 421, a bill that protects fishing access at the tailwaters of dams along the Cumberland River, prevents the Army Corps of Engineers from moving forward with a plan to install physical barriers in several locations, including the Barkley and Wolf Creek Dams.

Sen. Rand Paul was an original co-sponsor of the bill, introduced by Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander. The Freedom to Fish Act also passed the Senate unanimously yesterday as an amendment to the Water Resources Development Act. Sen. Paul visited Lake Barkley in April to meet with local officials and constituents about the Army Corps’ plan and to rally in support of the bill.

“Passage of the Freedom to Fish Act today is a welcome alternative to the Army Corps’ burdensome plan, which would hurt Kentucky residents and businesses,” Sen. Paul said. “There is a deep and long love for fishing the tailwaters of the Cumberland River and I am glad we have taken action to help protect fishing access and Kentucky’s economy.”